Leaky walls, loose panels at Vikings’ new $1.1B stadium

The Star Tribune reports (http://strib.mn/2pIH12e ) that stadium executives said Friday that zinc panels covering the entire exterior of the building are being tested and that the panels’ durability are a health and safety concern. U.S. Bank Stadium has been open only nine months.

The facility’s general contractor, M.A. Mortenson, is working on the northwestern facade of the stadium after water seeped through and created puddles in various places, including a concourse.

The Vikings contributed $600 million to build the stadium. Taxpayers covered the rest.

Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority says it doesn’t expect to have to pay for repairs. A Mortenson executive says the company will bear its responsibility for repairs.